Shih Tzu: Temperament, Size, Coat Care & Health

The Shih Tzu is a small but surprisingly sturdy dog with large dark eyes, a short muzzle, and a long, silky double coat. Its name means "lion," but as the AKC points out, this "lion dog's" idea of fun is sitting on its owner's lap and looking adorable while they try to watch television. Wherever a Shih Tzu goes, laughter and mischief follow. In this dog breed guide, you will find the history, appearance, temperament, and grooming needs of the Shih Tzu.

Origin	Tibet (China); Patronage: Great Britain
FCI Group	Group 9 – Companion and Toy Dogs, Tibetan breeds (No. 208)
Height	up to 10.5 inches
Weight	9–16.5 lbs
Coat	long, soft, double coat, mats easily
Colors	any color; often white with gray patches
Lifespan	10–18 years
Temperament	affectionate, playful, friendly, devoted
Suitable for	apartments, families, seniors

The Shih Tzu – The "Lion Dog" of Imperial Palaces

The name Shih Tzu comes from the Mandarin word for "lion" – these dogs were bred to resemble the lion as depicted in traditional Eastern art. In modern Chinese, the Shih Tzu is more often called the Xi Shi dog, after one of the most beautiful women of ancient China, and in 1930s England, it was known as the "chrysanthemum dog." Whether the breed should be called Tibetan or Chinese remains a subject of debate to this day.

The AKC notes that the Shih Tzu was developed by imperial palace breeders from Tibetan dogs, most likely by crossing two even older breeds – the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. During the Ming Dynasty, the Shih Tzu was so highly valued that the Chinese refused to sell, trade, or give them away. Empress Cixi had a special breeding program, and palace eunuchs bred the Shih Tzu to curry favor with the emperor. Until the 1930s, the breed was almost unknown outside the palace walls. In 1928, Lady Brownrigg, an Englishwoman living in China, brought two Shih Tzus back to England. At the 1933 Crufts show, it was determined that the Tibetan Terrier, Lhasa Apso, and Shih Tzu were distinct breeds. The first European standard was written in 1935, and the UK Kennel Club recognized the breed on May 7, 1940. The FCI recognized it in 1957, and the AKC followed in 1969. In 1952, Pekingese blood was introduced into the breed, and their descendants are considered purebred today.

Appearance: The "Owl Head" and Long Silk

The Shih Tzu is a sturdy little dog with a short muzzle and large, dark brown eyes. The ears are drop and covered with long hair, while the heavily plumed tail is curled over the back. The breed standard requires an underbite. The Chinese called its head shape an "owl head" or "lion head," its mouth a "frog mouth," and its lips "earthworm lips."

The coat is long, soft, and double-layered, and can be any color; white with gray patches is common. If the coat is not brushed at least every 2 to 3 days, it mats quickly. A show Shih Tzu's coat reaches the ground, but pet owners often opt for a short "puppy cut."

Temperament: A Companion to the Core

The AKC emphasizes that the Shih Tzu is especially affectionate with children. As a small dog bred to spend its days in palaces, it is perfectly suited for an apartment or a home without a large yard. It does not require much exercise – short daily walks and indoor playtime are sufficient. The Shih Tzu is highly people-oriented and loves to be near its human family.

Training, according to the AKC, can be both amusing and frustrating: the Shih Tzu tends to charm its owner and demand its own way, which can lead to a dog that is overweight, not fully house-trained, and difficult to groom. Praise and treats work best, as harsh corrections do not suit this breed. New habits should be taught gradually, with consistency and without giving in when the dog misbehaves.

Health: Heat, Eyes, and Joints

• Heat and water. Because of their heavy coat and short snout, the Shih Tzu does not tolerate heat well and is a poor swimmer.
• Eyes. Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and retinal detachment; due to eyelids that may not close completely, they can suffer from corneal dryness and inflammation.
• Joints. Hip dysplasia and patellar luxation – parents should be health-tested.
• Weight. The Shih Tzu is prone to begging for treats, so portion control is essential.

Grooming

• Daily. Brush the long coat with a flexible wire pin brush, working in layers down to the skin; comb the mustache and topknot.
• Eyes. Trim the hair above the eyes or tie it into a topknot, and wipe the corners of the eyes with a damp cloth.
• Bathing. Approximately every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Ears and nails. Clean and trim regularly.

The Shih Tzu and Other Eastern Companions

Trait	Shih Tzu	Pekingese	Pug
Weight	9–16.5 lbs	7–14 lbs	13–18 lbs
Coat	long, silky	long, with a "mane"	short
Origin	Tibet / China	China	China
Exercise needs	low	low	moderate

The Shih Tzu is Perfect for Apartments and Quiet Homes

The Shih Tzu was bred to be a companion, so its needs are simple: a human by its side, short walks, and careful grooming.

• Good for: apartments, seniors, families with gentle children, and people who spend a lot of time at home.
• Not for: runners and hikers, hot homes without air conditioning, or those unwilling to brush daily or pay for regular grooming.

The hair from their forehead easily falls into their eyes, so it is usually tied up in a topknot or cut short. Because of their short snout, the Shih Tzu must be protected from overheating, and if flying, it is worth checking airline regulations for brachycephalic (short-snouted) dogs in advance.

How to Choose a Shih Tzu Puppy

Ask the breeder for the parents' eye, hip, and patella health test results, and observe how the parents breathe and move. Be prepared for daily grooming or regular trips to a professional groomer. When looking for a puppy in the US, ensure you work with a reputable breeder who registers their litters with the AKC, provides a clear contract, and avoids puppy mills or pet stores. Alternatively, consider adopting through a local shelter or a breed-specific rescue. We discuss more tips on finding a responsible breeder in our guide introduction.

You can find other Eastern companions in the Pekingese, Pug, and Tibetan Mastiff profiles, and another long-haired little dog in the Maltese description.